Awww, it’s just around the corner! Valentine’s Day fills our hearts with lovey dovey mushy wonderfulness but if you’re not careful can empty your pockets at the same time. There are plenty of ways to re-think Valentine’s Day so that you don’t feel empty in the wallet come February 15th. Here are the Queen’s Best tips for saving big on this, Cupid’s favorite holiday.
1) Homemade Gifts Rock: To the left, you’ll note the Eldest Princess of Free’s Homemade Valentine Mailbox/Flower Box of Love (made late on Sunday night with what I could frantically find in the house during the Super Bowl when I realized I forgot all about it whilst on Blissdom adventures). Bottom line, everyone LOVES a gift that comes from the heart, made with your little ‘ole hands. Homemade cookies, love letters, CD or playlist mix, chocolate covered strawberries (right, Lady Amy?), and more will be remembered. Commercial, gimmicky stuffed animals more than likely will not. I DO love me a good greeting card so I understand if you lack creativity, time or supplies, andwant to find one and add your own love message. Hit the 99 cent cards. There are always great ones!
2) Think ahead: Lady Kimdra on the Queen of Free Facebook Fan Page suggests saving gift cards from Christmas to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Tuck that restaurant or movie gift card away and save it for a special date. Great idea! Places like White Castle, Chickfila, and McDonalds all host special candlelight, low cost Valentine’s Day celebrations where you can bring the whole family along. Lady Krista points out that using the McDonalds Valentine’s Day coupon booklets can stretch the value even farther. Many of these places take reservations weeks in advance so getting in now might be a challenge but it’s worth a call!
3) Dine at Home. A few times (not nearly as much as I’d like to say we have), the King and I have planned special dinners of our own after the kiddos are tucked away in bed. We eat “grown up” food and drink “grown up” beverages. We clear the table clutter away, dim the lighting, and turn on some “grown up” music and off our phones. It is FABULOUS. Test me on this one. Lady Faith on the Facebook Fan Page also gives you a Rachel Ray Valentine’s Menu Plan here. Thanks for the great link! It’s not a $5 Dinner but it will still be cheaper than a fancy meal with tip.
A final little word of “wisdom” (if I have any to offer). Remember to focus on the marriage and not just the romance. Otherwise, the sentiments are empty and your soul will be emptier than your pockets on February 15th. Right now, I’m re-listening to Andy Stanley’s iMarriage podcast (I’ve heard it at least twice before and could probably listen to it at least a dozen more times!). Today I listened to “Keeping My I on You” while fixing lunch and prepping for dinner. I’ll be listening to each of the podcasts 1/week over the next 3 weeks if you want to follow along with me. It’s good stuff.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Don’t be enticed by all of the bells and whistles of the holiday aisle. Keep it simple and in the end you’ll have a much Happier Valentine’s Day.
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